I thought I would share this little book with you, its for anyone who loves drawing and fashion illustrations. This is another blast from the past and I particularly love the quirky nature of the illustrations and variety of designs. This book is out of print however I noticed that the author has a number of similar books on sale at amazon.
The book gives templates of figures to allow for you to draft your own design, these are put onto card which you draw round – lightly. This is like a croquis – which you make using your own body measurements albeit scaled down, however I don’t think drawing your proposed designs and creations to see if they suit or not is the main object of the exercise. I always sketch draw/design whatever I intend to make (I do this freehand, drawings can be seen on previous posts) so I can get a feel for the design, the fabric and details I intend to use/incorporate. It allows for you to think of the type of fabric and what works on a deeper level and I write notes next to the drawing, from pattern amendments or number of buttons etc.
I would encourage everyone to sketch their designs because at the very least its a wonderful record to keep of your achievements and I love to see how close the finished article is to the initial design. I know that patterns come with their own line drawings however the fabric choice can dramatically alter the appearance and feel of a garment.
I use nature study type notebooks for my sketches, a large one for adding design notes. The left hand side of the notebook is blank, for sketching with the right hand side ruled feint, for note taking. I can then trace through the outline from the previous design, a rough guide. I keep a small notebook in my handbag for when inspiration strikes – I have been known to skip along after someone in the street noting the cut of a suit or cuff detail.- This I then draft into my larger book which I use as an aide memoir when cutting out/drafting the pattern and making up.
Often you can forget how productive you have been in the past, but a quick look through your own design books serves as a collective visual reminder of past achievements, lessons learned and on how far your sewing has come.
I love this, thank you for sharing it with us
Thank you, you are very welcome.
A very useful post, thank you Ann.
But my, haven’t those ladies such flat bottoms?!
lol yes that’s why I do my own!!
Very nice sketches! Although I draw (buildings) all day at work I never sketch anything about fashion, I should really pick up this good habit!
You have no excuses! Its part of the whole sewing process for me. I look forward to seeing yours!
I am a horrid illustrator or doodler! I must confess that I’m really not a creative person per se; I’m great at making something that someone else dreamed up. But I love seeing others’ creative processes. Thanks for sharing this – I may pick up one for my daughters. BTW, I have passed on to you the One Lovely Blog award, if you would like the button it is here http://mezzocouture.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/happy-belated-birthday-giveaway/
Tia, Thank you for comments and nomination – very chuffed!. I started my blog to inspire others as much as an outlet for myself so to find that it is achieving this is very encouraging. Being creative in any way is life enhancing and I suspect you are more creative than you realise.
Thankx again
This is good advice. I actually purchased a book on how to draw manga characters and, in it, it has drawn sketches, instructions as well as tracing paper overlays and pages for you to practice. So, I’m not really making the characters in the manga, anime style, but I’m finding it very helpful for learning about body proportions and poses and practicing with the tracing paper overlays and sketchbook pages. It is also small enough to fit in your purse. It is called “The manga artist’s workbook” if anybody is interested.
Also, congratulations Tulle and Tweed for your blog award nomination!
Thank you
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I included a link to this post in a new section that I just posted about Fashion Illustration on my blog. I liked it and wanted my readers to be able to link to it. The link to see it is: http://wp.me/p2XTOJ-7g I hope that is okay!
Oh thank you, appreciated